Microsoft Apps – AI Tools You are Already Using

You may not realize that many AI tools are already built in to Microsoft 365 Applications.

Welcome to our blog on "Microsoft Apps - AI Tools You are Already Using". You may not even realize it, but many of the apps you use on a daily basis from Microsoft have integrated artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance your experience.

From personal productivity apps like Word and Outlook to business-focused applications like Power BI and Dynamics 365, Microsoft has invested heavily in incorporating AI into their suite of offerings.

In this blog, we will explore some of the AI features available in various Microsoft apps and how they can improve your efficiency and productivity. So, whether you are a student, a professional, or a casual user, read on to discover the hidden AI tools in your favourite Microsoft apps.

There are two camps when it comes to Artificial Intelligence in applications.

AI will make me redundant!

This is the first camp – assuming that AI will make their job redundant. If the apps can do things automatically – what will they need me for?

AI is amazing and will make my life easier!

This is the second camp. Those who recognize AI as a tool that can help them get more done and enable them to focus on the bigger picture.

You are already using AI every time you use Microsoft Office

Did you know that as a Microsoft 365 user you have been using AI for quite a while? New tools that are developed and rolled out are often powered by AI.

Here are just some of the AI tools that are already built into Microsoft 365 applications:

Word

Editor – Editor checks your spelling and grammar and makes suggestions for conciseness.

Reuse Files – looks for documents that are similar to the one you are working on and makes suggestions, allowing you to insert a link to that document or use part of the document in this one.

Accessibility Checker – checks that the document you are creating is available to all including those with low vision or who are blind.

Search – Look up references from other documents, find media related to what you are writing and so much more.

Researcher – Use researcher to find sources to cite when drafting articles.

Translate – translate your text to other languages – just some or even the whole document.

Dictate – activate dictate and Microsoft Word will transcribe what you say.

Excel

Flash Fill – Flash Fill can work out patterns that you give it and fill a list accordingly.

Analyze Data – Excel will analyze your data and make many suggestions on what you want to see.

Data from Picture – Now you can insert data from a picture of a receipt or a table of information.

Forecast Sheet – Excel can create a forecast based on data that you supply.

PowerPoint

Designer – Suggests beautiful layouts for your slides.

Editor – checks your spelling and grammar.

Subtitles – add subtitles to your presentations.

Convert to SmartArt - convert a list to beautiful SmartArt.

Dictate – Dictate your slides.

Accessibility Checker – check the accessibility of your presentation.

Outlook

Suggested Replies – suggested replies appear at the top of the reply you are sending, choose one to shortcut typing a response.

Read Aloud – have Outlook read your messages to you.

Search – looks for relevant documents that you may wish to reference in your email.

Insert Loop Components – use Loop to work together on a variety of elements, update a table, create or change a checklist, create or update a Task List and more in real time with everyone working on the same element.

Which of the above tools are you using on a regular basis? I am using most of them if not every day, then fairly regularly and once you start to use them, they become the norm.

Microsoft are brining out Microsoft Co Pilot which will take AI powered work to a whole new level. I am looking forward to getting my hands on it and learning how it works so that I can teach others how to simplify their workload. You will still need to know the right questions to ask and have a vision of what you want to achieve.

In conclusion

Applications are going to get smarter, and it is time to embrace this. The pace of change will accelerate as new tools are added. It is time to get stuck in, learn how to use these new tools, and simplify the grunt work. Then you can focus on the much larger picture.

If you are an EA, PA, VA, Office Manager, or anyone who uses Microsoft 365 applications, AI is going to make life easier, help you get more done in less time and focus on managing and supporting your executive, manager, director, or clients.

To get the most out of Microsoft 365 Applications – take a look at Essential Office for The Savvy Assistant – this comprehensive bundle of courses on Microsoft 365 applications will give you a head start and will be updated as more AI tools are added.

Look out for more blog posts from me on the different AI tools that are already built in to Microsoft 365 Applications.

Categories: : Blog